We recognize the importance of raising environmental awareness and offering the opportunity to experience nature firsthand. Tall ships offer dockside education and on-board education through 2- and 3- hour sailaways and time at sea. Here are some examples of how local students benefited from their life at sea experiences in 2004.
My name is Anna Soens and I am a freshman at Indian Trail Academy (ITA). I chose this school because I want to become a veterinarian, and the Biotech House of ITA will help me achieve my goal. I am doing well in school and currently have a 4.0 grade point average. I have played soccer since I was seven and started playing tennis even before that. I play both sports for Bradford High School. I am a Sunday school teacher at St. Mary's Lutheran Church, and I find it comforting that at least God will be there to experience this journey across the Great Lakes with me.
I have always found myself fascinated with water and all that it holds, and cannot wait to go sailing in the Great Lakes for several weeks. I am looking forward to everything about this trip - the fun, the laughs, and even the mistakes. I want to see the stars untainted by light, and the sun reflected off of endless waves. I want to see things from a new perspective, and am positive that it will happen. This will be an extraordinary learning experience and a summer I will never forget.
My name is Jessica Kramer and I am a sophomore at the Kenosha Military Academy. As a member of the Cadet staff, I have quickly obtained the rank of Staff Sergeant. My grades mean a lot to me. As well as an excellent student, I am also a letter winner in both basketball and soccer. I have represented my school as a member of the color guard, saber corps and as an ambassador to aging veterans in nursing homes at Christmas and Veterans Day. I am looking forward to sailing on board the True North of Toronto. The experience will be an excellent opportunity to learn safe sailing and seamanship as well as spread good will throughout the Great Lakes. I am hoping that this experience helps me in my pursuit towards a career as an officer in the United States Coast Guard.
Program: These four students joined Anna and Jessica on board the True North when the ship departed from Chicago. During their four days on board they experienced a hands-on relationship with the ship and the sea, including ship operations, team training, cooperation and respect for authority.
Preparation: Students needed some swimming education. Funding: Kenosha Days of Discovery worked with each organization to secure funding for the program.
Fees: $500 per student for the voyage that includes meals and accommodations. Students needed to be bused to Chicago to meet the ship.
Lake Watch Exploration is a hands-on science activity giving students the opportunity to discover what is in Lake Michigan. Each ship conducts a plankton “tow” to gather the lake’s micro-organisms Science equipment such as a microscope is on board. Students will needed to be bused to Milwaukee.
Fee: $1,500/50 students including two teachers.
Preparation: None
Funding: On-dock educators payed ($1,500) at the event – plus – volunteers, transportation for the students. $500 supported a student.